New Cross residents Tomilyn and Jack started hosting with us as a way to take action in the wake of far-right protests.
For Lewisham’s @salamandernews.org, Tomilyn spoke about her experiences, and the difference she's seen it make for their guests.
www.salamandernews.org/lewisham-res...
Two women and a man posing for a photo. The man is standing in the middle and is draped in a Ukrainian flag
On this day in 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
To mark the fourth anniversary of the conflict, our Chief Operating Officer, Carly Whyborn, has written about the challenges and successes of the Homes for Ukraine scheme for The Big Issue.
Read it here: www.bigissue.com/opinion/home...
A graphic saying 'Hosts needed in Sheffield. About the guests: Single males between 19 and 28 years-old From Eritrea, Sudan, and Afghanistan All speak varying levels of English. Could you host? Message us here or email info@refugeesathome.org'
We’re facing a crisis in Sheffield.
Seven potential guests – all young men in desperate need of a place to stay this week – have been referred to us.
Could you help? Please message us or email info@refugeesathome.org ❤️
Imogen (right) and her sister are two of our emergency hosts, opening their London home at short notice to guests in need of a place to stay.
She spoke with her local council about the support they provide, and how small acts can make a huge difference.
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/stories/stor...
“Anyone who needs me to be their neighbour is my neighbour.”
Tune in to Songs of Praise at 1.15pm on BBC One this Sunday to hear from our hosts Andrew and Jane, and how opening their home is a key part of their faith.
Applications for our Finance Trustee position close in two weeks!
If you’ve got the right experience and are passionate about what we do, don’t miss this excellent opportunity to join our team.
Find out more and apply at refugeesathome.org/jobs
#charityjobs
If you’ve been on the BBC News website today you might have spotted two of our amazing hosts.
The BBC spoke with Herbert and Eva about fleeing war and persecution in 1930s Austria, and how their experiences led them to open their home to others going through the same.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
For many of our hosts, travel and family obligations means they’re unable to host over the festive break.
However, for Alice, having lodgers means that it’s only when they go home for Christmas that she’s able to welcome a guest.
Read about her experiences here:
refugeesathome.org/case-study/h...
A graphic of a Christmas card design
🎄 Missed the last post before Christmas? 🎄
For the cost of a card and a stamp, you can send one of our festive eCards right up until Christmas day!
Choose how much you want to donate, and spread some joy to your loved ones while helping to support our work.
www.dontsendmeacard.com/ecards/chari...
A graphic showing text messages from Aziz that say: “I wanted to let you know that I have officially moved out and settled into my new place in Reading! I can’t thank you, Refugees at Home, and especially Anita and Steve enough for everything you’ve done for me. Your support over these months has truly changed my life, and I’m very grateful for all the kindness, guidance, and encouragement you’ve given me. It feels like a new beginning.” There is also an image of his front door key, and a card he’s received wishing him a ‘happy new home’.
We’ve had a wonderful update from our guest Aziz, who has just moved into his own place in Reading.
Hosts Anita & Steve opened their home when he was facing homelessness, supporting him while he found his feet.
Now, with a steady job and a place to call home, Aziz is looking forward to the future.
Lived experience volunteer role. Voices by Experience Advisory Panel. Closing date: Sunday 21st December
Help shape our work 👋
We’re looking for people with lived experience of the asylum system in the UK to join our first Voices by Experience Advisory Panel.
Find out more about the volunteer role at www.refugeesathome.org/jobs
A colourful graphic of hands reaching up, with the text 'international volunteer day'
This #InternationalVolunteerDay we're celebrating our incredible volunteers who are a crucial part of Refugees at Home.
Thank you for giving your time, commitment, and compassion to help make the UK a better place for those seeking sanctuary ❤️
Help us find a sponsor in NI for two Ukrainian-Palestinian families: A married couple and their 17-year-old daughter A married couple and their two young children Both placements would require two rooms. They have great references and speak some English.
Are you able to host in Northern Ireland?
Two Ukrainian-Palestinian families are in the unimaginable position of fleeing two wars, and are looking for safety nearby.
We’re hoping to find sponsors as soon as possible.
Could you help? Please message us or email info@refugeesathome.org. ❤️
Thanks to your incredible support we’ve reached 50% of our winter appeal target ❤️
Every penny raised will help us to place even more of our guests with hosts across the UK – something desperately needed as the temperature drops.
You can donate to our appeal at
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/winter-app...
By supporting our winter appeal, you can help us make a difference for even more people like Hamza.
Donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/winter-app...
A graphic with a quote from a former Refugees at Home guest that says: When I got the eviction letter from the hotel, I felt hopeless. Where should I go?
When Hamza received an eviction notice from his Home Office accommodation, we were able to place him with two of our London hosts.
Facing difficulties finding somewhere to live after the placement, our Housing and Move On Manager was able to help him move into YMCA supported accommodation.
Yesterday’s announcement from the government is a point of shame in the UK’s history.
For refugees, a 20-year waiting period means 20 years of living in limbo. Every day we speak to guests who have gone on to form relationships, study, start businesses and invest in their lives here. This policy takes away the prospect of stability for many refugees, introducing unnecessary anxiety and uncertainty for people who just want to settle down in safety. Determining which country is and isn’t ‘safe’ poses a huge range of risks and uncertainties.
The situation in many of our guests’ countries of origin can change overnight, and what’s safe for many of us isn’t the case for many of our guests, particularly those who were already minorities before becoming refugees. We know that refugees already face discrimination in employment and housing, something that will only get worse by extending the period when they could be asked to leave the country at a moment’s notice. Rather than being able to support themselves independently, these proposals will worsen the destitution and poverty experienced across the country.
We urge the government to listen to the concerns of those affected, and the organisations that support them, and fulfil their obligations to help people seeking sanctuary live here in safety, stability, and dignity. In these uncertain times, there is strength in solidarity, and if any of our hosts, guests, referrers, or home visitors have any concerns, they are always welcome to get in touch. Lauren Scott, Chief Executive Officer
Yesterday’s announcement from the government is a point of shame in the UK’s history.
We urge the government to listen to the concerns of those affected and fulfil their obligations to help people seeking sanctuary live here in safety and dignity.
Read our response to the Home Secretary:
A graphic of text over a snowy city street with the caption 'Thank you for supporting refugees and people seeking asylum this winter. Support our winter appeal at refugeesathome.org/winterappeal
As winter sets in, having a warm home during these months is something many of us take for granted.
By donating to our winter appeal, you can help keep someone safe this winter and make a very real, immediate difference to those seeking safety.
Donate at:
www.refugeesathome.org/winterappeal
We're delighted to be a part of the Brighton screening of Jessi Gutch's documentary, Blue Has No Borders, next Wednesday.
One of our local hosts is part of the post-film panel, and we’ll be there to answer any questions attendees have about opening their homes.
www.picturehouses.com/movie-detail...
By supporting our winter appeal, you can help us make a difference for even more people like Mina.
Donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/winter-app...
When Mina, a refugee from Afghanistan, started her degree in London, she soon realised she had nowhere to live over the summer break.
We were able to match her with one of our hosts, making sure she could focus on completing her course.
Read her story here: refugeesathome.org/newsbytes/im...
By supporting our Crowdfunder appeal, you can help us match even more guests with hosts like Hugh and Kathryn across the UK, ensuring they don’t have to spend the winter sleeping rough.
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/winter-app...
A graphic with a photo of some people at a citizenship ceremony and a caption that says: 'Support our winter appeal. Find out more and donate at: refugeesathome.org@winterappeal
"If you don't have somewhere to live, all those other things that you have to do to get your life straight become 10 times harder."
Hear from hosts Hugh & Kathryn about hosting as a family tradition and the joy of being invited to a guest's citizenship ceremony.
refugeesathome.org/newsbytes/ha...
With far-right sentiment surging and the weather turning colder, these are difficult times for refugees.
That’s why we’re launching a new Crowdfunder appeal to help us provide even more support for people seeking sanctuary this winter and beyond.
Donate here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/winter-app...
There's still time to sign up to tomorrow's online information session!
If you'd like to know more about our work, it's a great opportunity to hear from a member of our team and two of our experienced hosts 👇
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
🎥Footage shot by Passing Cloud Films, with additional equipment from Yellow Cactus. Music courtesy of Bensound.com
Ever wondered if you can you host if you have children?
Concerned about the language barrier during a placement?
Listen to hosts Anna, Mal, Pauline, and Ian address some of the common questions people have about hosting with us.
youtu.be/sYVzJq152_8
A graphic with a photo of Reading Bridge and the text: Host urgently needed in Reading. One of our guests is studying a Master’s degree at the University of Reading and is in need of a place to stay for his first term. He’s 25, originally from Syria, and speaks English. Message us or email info@refugeesathome.org
Are you able to host in Reading?
One of our guests is currently studying a Master’s at the University of Reading and needs a place to stay as soon as possible.
He’s 25-years-old, originally from Syria, and speaks fluent English.
If you can help, please get in touch ❤️
Want to know more about hosting?
We’re holding an online information session next month with our friends at the Diocese of Sheffield and two of our hosts from the area.
Sign up to hear about their experiences and ask any questions you have about opening your home 👇
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We’ve joined our friends and colleagues across the homelessness and refugee sector in writing to the government to oppose the reduction in the move-on period for newly recognised refugees.
Read the coverage in today's Guardian:
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
